Maxline Clarence Gailen Tucker, 77, Orrick, formerly of Odessa, died January 31, 2023. Gailen was born July 26, 1945, to Clarence and Gladys (Chandler) Tucker-Reynolds in Anniston, Alabama.

After high school, Gailen joined and served in the United States Marine Corp, alongside his brother, Granville. Upon finishing Boot Camp, he had a brief station at Guantanamo Bay. Then did a Medical Cruise for Hurricane Relief in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Canary Islands before returning back to the States for his last deployment to Vietnam. During Vietnam, he was an Instructor for fellow servicemen in Communication and Radio Operations in Spain, Greece and Portugal military bases, lastly in the Vietnam DMZ, before finishing his enlistment with the Headquarters and Support Battalion- Supply Charge and Training in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

He owned Gailen Tucker Plumbing in Odessa for many years before finishing his career as a Building and Maintenance Supervisor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Through his work, he gained many lifelong friendships.

In addition to his wife, Gailen leaves behind 6 children – Jennifer Barker (Paul), Ryan Tucker (Donna), Julie Bainbridge (Lincoln), Ashley Tucker, Brent Tucker (Heather),Kalie Tucker, a stepdaughter Trasey Martone (Thomas), grandchildren, Bry Howard (TJ), Christian Hardwick (Kadi), Amanda Wheeler (Joey), Lane Barker, Charisty Barker, Coby Tucker (Hannah), Joshua Tucker, Baylor Bainbridge, Cruz Bainbridge, Boone Bainbridge, Hayes Bainbridge, Taylor Hulett, Braylon Tucker, McKendree Tucker, Tristan Schweer, Jason Ellison, and great-grandchildren Riley, Hank, Aubry, Paisley, Ivory, Kingston, Ariellea-May, Greyson, Sawyer, Cayden, Scarlett, Caroline, and Blayton. Gailen is also survived by his brother Garrell Tucker (Mary) and sister Gloria Blackiston (Gene).

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather Thomas Reynolds, brothers Granville and Gregory, nephews Tommy and Garrell, and his beloved side kick companion dog, Harley.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date with family. In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Gailen are suggested to Ashley Tucker’s living expenses c/o Julie Bainbridge or to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (www.pwsausa.org) to support other individuals and families living with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO   816-690-4441